This is my favorite time of year on the Central Coast.
The longer days are here, the warmer months are coming, and the grasses are drying and releasing a sweet aroma that signals summer is right around the corner.
Now is the perfect time of year to get outside, clear your mind, get some exercise, and surround yourself with beautiful landscapes that will certainly refresh your spirit.
Perhaps my favorite outdoor activity, hiking is a great way to explore our local area on two feet. From coastline to vineyard to mountain slope, there’s plenty to see outdoors.
While I have hiked a number of trails in San Luis Obispo County, I decided it was time I see what Santa Barbara County had to offer. With this in mind, I stopped to blaze the trails at Los Flores Ranch Park in Orcutt and Point Sal trail in Guadalupe—two very different hikes that offer their own brand of adventure for the outdoor enthusiast.
Los Flores Ranch Park
Tucked in the hills of Orcutt, about 10 minutes from town, Los Flores Ranch sits on nearly 1,800 acres and features about eight miles of hiking/equestrian/mountain bike trails.
The 1,800 acres of land for the ranch were purchased from the Chevron Corporation in 2005 for $2 million, using tax money from local businesses and residences. Because of this, access to the park is free for Santa Maria residents.
If you take the Clark Avenue exit and go left, you’ll next follow the road to the end of Clark and go right on Dominion Road. A mile or so down the street, the entrance to the park will be on your right. There will be a dirt parking lot with a gate; park and walk back to the Visitors’ Center. All visitors to the park must check in and receive an I.D. card before venturing out.
When I showed up to Los Flores, it was a quiet Thursday afternoon at the ranch. I checked in at the Visitors’ Center—a small white modular complete with a porch. Inside, there are terrariums filled with turtles and snakes, which are animals common to this open space area.
After checking in and scoping the map, I decided to head out on the Manzanita Trail. As I walk away from the center, I heard the loud cries of two burros near the small barn. Accompanying the burros are two pygmy goats, which add a rustic charm to the experience.
The trails are comprised of broken-up existing roadway that was used for oil and ranch operations; the inclines are mild, and all trails offer a good workout.
The sound of blue jays flitting among the oak trees added serenity to the scene as I hiked through back-mountain valleys; slopes are covered with dry mountain grasses as the days grow hotter. I imagine the hills turn a brilliant shade of green after the rainy season.
The trailways were surrounded by oak trees of varying sizes, decorated by swaying Spanish moss. The ruby red hue of the manzanita trees adds a shot of color to the chaparral landscape and speak to the trails namesake.
There was plenty of wildlife to see along the way, including some roaming cows, a dashing bunny, and even a troop of wild pigs rooting around in the mud. According to Susan Tuttle, Los Flores Ranch education coordinator, an estimated 15 wild pigs live on the property.
The ranch offered some modern amenities for the trails with shaded overhangs, water, and portable toilets along the way that provide hikers a place to refresh before continuing on their journey.
While the roadway makes for a unique trail system, the trails at Los Flores Ranch offer panoramic views of rural Santa Maria, a plethora of wildlife, and endless possibilities for exploration.
Tuttle said that one of the best trails to check out is the Ridgetop Trail; on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean and Bishop Peak.
The education coordinator also mentioned that not a lot of people know the ranch is there (I’ll admit: I was one of them). Los Flores is open Thursday through Sunday and offers guided nature walks and classes. Trails are perfect for family excursions or leisurely walks.
I will definitely be returning to explore more of the trails and views available at Los Flores Ranch.
Point Sal
First off, let me start by saying that my words will not do the views on the Point Sal hike justice, so I strongly recommend that people find out for themselves just what this trail has to offer.
Despite being one of the best-kept trail secrets on the Central Coast and offering years of public access, many people don’t know that the trail is there. Although I have been to Point Sal before, I confess that a recent Sunday was the first time I had done the actual Point Sal hike. After I was finished with the journey, I couldn’t believe I had never before taken the time to check it out.
On my first trip to the 800-acre Point Sal Reserve, some mildly rebellious friends and I decided to make the excursion to the fabled Paradise Beach.
Sidebar: The Paradise Beach hike is worth the grueling 12.5-mile round trip; the beach alone is a small slice of heaven. Unfortunately, the path to Paradise Beach cuts through private property and there’s a hefty fine if you’re caught, so I would stick to the trail.
The “road” to Point Sal is a 10-mile out-and-back excursion to the beach, open from sunrise to sunset. The trip time runs anywhere from three to five hours, depending on your hiking pace.
While the wind was more “enthusiastic” that day than usual, the taste of the salty air being carried off the ocean was energizing; I could smell the ocean before I could see it.
With steep inclines and winding switchbacks, the Point Sal trail made me work for the breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast. Climbing to an elevation of 1,200 feet, I eventually reached a point in the hike where I was surrounded by panoramic views of the ocean. On such a sunny day, the waters were a startling shade of blue not common to the area. I could see from Port San Luis all the way to the deserted beaches toward Vandenberg Air Force Base. On this hike, it’s important to stop and enjoy the sights—they are second to none.
The pathway that winds down to the beach is steep, and part of the trail is still washed out. The beach is the light at the end of the tunnel with smooth white sands that offer a place of refuge for weary hikers.
My favorite part of the Point Sal hike overall was that at any one point, you can look up and see miles of ocean and coastline. The frosting on top of the cake is relaxing at one of the more secluded beaches to be found on the Central Coast.
The journey up from the beach is grueling; hikers need to be in good shape and might want to consider cardio training before attempting this hike. It’s also very important to stay hydrated and take breaks when needed.
The Point Sal trail is perfect for intermediate to experienced hikers looking for a challenge, an intense workout, and ocean front viewing.
Despite the fact my legs were no more than sticks of Jell-O by the time I returned to my car, I got to see a part of my own backyard that I never knew was there, which made it all worth it.
Keep in mind it is a bit of a drive to the Point Sal trailhead. From Highway 1, turn right on Brown Road. Follow the road until you reach the gate for Point Sal; this is where the hike begins.
Also, check out these trails:
Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area
Although the road to Figueroa Mountain is narrow, long, and winding, the trail system is worth the drive. Great for year-round hiking, Figueroa Mountain is known for its wildflower meadows, willow trees, and wide-open views of the Santa Ynez Valley.
A $5 adventure pass is required to enter the park, which is great for family trips and picnicking.
Rice Ranch Open Space
I had the opportunity to explore Rice Ranch for the first time recently as well, and I was pleasantly impressed. The sweet eucalyptus and smell of wild sage were a nice complement to views of the Orcutt Valley. The 306 acres acquired by Santa Barbara County in 2011 boast eight to 10 miles of trails surrounded by oak, babbling creeks, and manzanita trees. A short drive from Orcutt, Rice Ranch has a variety of trails ranging from beginner to intermediate in intensity; also good for running trails.
Staff Writer Kristina Sewell often strays from the well-beaten path. Contact her at ksewell@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in May 23-30, 2013.
